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    • Lower Hudson Valley, NYC, Long Island under red flag warning
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    Lower Hudson Valley, NYC, Long Island under red flag warning

    Vaseline Posted on

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    The National Weather Service has issued a wildfire warning for Westchester, Rockland and Putnam counties all day Friday, November 1, due to dry, windy conditions in the region.

    The red flag warning is in effect Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. for the Lower Hudson Valley, New York City and Long Island.

    Forest fires: Dry weather in Hudson Valley results in large wildfires

    What is a red flag warning?

    “A Red Flag Warning is issued to indicate the imminent danger of severe fire weather with a relatively high probability of occurrence,” the National Weather Service website says, noting that fire danger is usually “in the very high to extreme category.”

    National Weather Service meteorologist Bill Goodman says the threat of wildfires increases when winds blow harder and humidity is low.

    “There is a combination of relative humidity and wind, as well as ‘dry fuels’ such as pine needles and dry grass that can lead to the rapid growth and spread of any wildfire,” Goodman said.

    Beginning at 10 a.m., Putnam and Rockland counties will be under a temporary burn ban following the wildfires that burned in Kent and Harriman State Park in Hillburn on Saturday, October 26 and Sunday, October 27.

    “With the recent major mountain bushfires in Hillburn and several other smaller bushfires across the province, a ban on all open burning is necessary at this time. Dry conditions make our open spaces incredibly susceptible to fire, including residential areas,” That said Chris Kear, director of Rockland County Fire and Emergency Services. “By reducing potential ignition sources, we can prevent dangerous situations and protect both lives and property.”

    Will it rain in the Lower Hudson Valley on Friday?

    According to the National Weather Service, Westchester and Rockland counties have seen a total of 0.07 inches of rain since Oct. 7, one of the longest stretches of dry weather in the Lower Hudson Valley’s history.

    The region received 0.03 inches of rain on October 7 and 0.04 inches of rain on October 29. However, there is a 20% chance of light rain through Friday afternoon.

    Wind speeds of 10 to 30 km/h are expected throughout the day, with some gusts possibly reaching 30 to 60 km/h. Humidity is forecast to be low, around 35% or lower.

    “There are still some concerns, but the risk will be significantly lower,” he said. “It’s probably a good idea to avoid any outdoor burning and put out anything like cigarettes or embers from the fireplace. Don’t just throw them out your car window or into the brush, where they could ignite.”

    How to protect your property from wildfire damage

    The NYSDEC offers these tips to prevent wildfires from spreading and protect your home from damage:

    • Use fire-resistant roofing materials or exterior wall materials when renovating or building a home.
    • Make a fence out of non-flammable material and make sure it is not attached directly to your home.
    • Remove branches, leaves and twigs from overhangs and gutters.
    • Keep everything within a 10 meter radius of your home ‘sleek, clean and green’. Keep lawns well irrigated and free of vegetation, debris and clutter.
    • Mow your lawn and dispose of raked leaves regularly. Keep firewood 30 feet away from your home during fire season.
    • Store all flammable materials such as gas tanks, paint and sprays in your garage or basement, not under porches or patios.
    • Find an outdoor water source with a hose that can reach any part of your property.
    • Make an evacuation plan for your household in case of an emergency.

    To report a wildfire, call 911. To file a claim for disaster assistance or find disaster recovery centers, visit fema.gov.

    (This story has been updated to add new information.)

    Vaseline
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